variants
also cagy
1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a cagey old politician who is exceptionally skilled at getting federal money for his district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
when it came time to sign the contract, he suddenly got cagey about taking on the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cagey
Joining another lab at her institution might be an option, but that would mean abandoning her main research interests, and other groups have also been cagey about funding.
—
Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 30 Jan. 2026
Exceptions finally arrived with the emergence of Max Cervantes as slick and cagey defense lawyer Billy Flynn.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
On the bright side, this is one of those rare moments of transparency that is quite uncommon for a typically disciplined and cagey administration obsessed with controlling the narrative around the governor’s executive prowess.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
In May 1961, Welch alleged that a CBS reporter had used underhanded tactics to interview him against his wishes, resulting in footage that made the Birch leader look cagey and defensive.
—Time, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 30 Jan. 2026
Exceptions finally arrived with the emergence of Max Cervantes as slick and cagey defense lawyer Billy Flynn.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
On the bright side, this is one of those rare moments of transparency that is quite uncommon for a typically disciplined and cagey administration obsessed with controlling the narrative around the governor’s executive prowess.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
In May 1961, Welch alleged that a CBS reporter had used underhanded tactics to interview him against his wishes, resulting in footage that made the Birch leader look cagey and defensive.
—Time, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cagey
Adjective
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As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Past friends and former associates described him to me as an exceptionally cunning con man, a consummate charmer, and a womanizer.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Data on how many of those belong to eligible voters is hard to come by, but CNN heard from more than a dozen voters who said they had been struck off the list and were unable to get back on due to unclear rules and reluctant local officials.—
Esha Mitra,
CNN Money,
1 May 2026
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The recent artificial intelligence boom and the investment required to develop it is also making companies reluctant to hire.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The clothes were cute, though, if not a little costumey.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
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This adorable cloud pillow shows Harry’s iconic lightning bolt scar and is a seriously cute addition to any fan’s collection of memorabilia.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Lee was hesitant to back a billionaire but said Steyer is different.—
Sophie Austin,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
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And even with all that help, Kerr still sounds more hesitant than the version of himself who used to relish turning every podium into his own little bully pulpit.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Brenden Aaronson could not finish a slick Leeds counter, denied by the outstretched boot of Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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Pretty slick defensive play by the 2025 AL Platinum Glove recipient.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Throughout her trip to the United States, the Queen has reliably chosen British designers in a subtle showing of sartorial support of her homeland.—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
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Such subtle tweaks in rhythm and resolution are more subtle, and more rewarding, than a straightforward joke-and-punchline setup.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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